HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – With each passing game, Mallard Creek’s girls basketball team continues round into form as one of North Carolina’s top 4A contenders.

In front of a capacity crowd, the Mavericks overcame a 13-point halftime deficit to stun North Mecklenburg on the road 54-52.

Playing one of the state’s most challenging non-conference schedules has paid off in the new year. “A year ago, being down 13 was not something that we would be able to overcome,” said head coach Karlyn Dixon.

Kiara Anderson and Elle Stone helped flip a 33-20 North Meck lead on its head with a 26-9 third-quarter run.

When the Vikings’ Lenise Joseph ripped the lead back with a 7-0 run in the fourth, My’Asia Young rose to the occasion with a late response to put the game on ice.

Joesph was the star of the first half. The sophomore forward scored 14 in the opening 16 minutes to build up a double-digit lead.

Halfway through the second period, Kameron Smith hit consecutive three-point baskets to inflate an 18-12 lead after one to 28-15.

Stone and Anderson kicked off the comeback to pull the Mavericks within three. Young cut to block on an out-of-bounds play and trimmed the deficit to 35-34.

Anderson downed a pair of free throws to push Mallard Creek by one and carried a 46-42 lead into the fourth.

Joseph’s seven straight points gave North Mecklenburg a 51-48 lead with 3:43 remaining.

Young and Anderson teamed up for the next six points to secure the victory.

Trailing 54-51, North Mecklenburg drew a three-point shooting foul with 0.3 seconds left but hit only 1-of-3 shots with a chance to tie.

Mallard Creek improves to 10-2 overall following the victory. The Mavericks host Harding on Tuesday night.

North Mecklenburg dropped to 8-2 with the loss. Next Tuesday, they begin a three-game road trip with a conference matchup at West Mecklenburg.

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